Part of EGM Cigars are in London for the summer and are very much enjoying the heatwave they're experiencing there. For once in London you don’t have to carry an umbrella in your bag in July and people are spending more time outdoors, in parks, on hikes, etc.
We’ve collated a list of summer activities you can do, complemented by your favourite Cuban cigars, its sure to be a perfect Summer’s Day.
BBQ
It’s an obvious one, but BBQs are the quintessential summer activity and the perfect opportunity to smoke some Cuban cigars. We’d recommend inviting your closest friends over, serving up some of your finest side dishes. Whip up some potato salads, coleslaws and salads and serve them with blackened corn, salty halloumi and whatever chargrilled meats you please.
We’d recommend something light and floral to accompany such a bountiful meal, especially since you’ll have been standing over the BBQ all day. You’ll need something to freshen up the taste buds. Particularly because you’ll be spending most of your time outside, you’ll want something which is light in flavour but has a relatively long smoking time. El Rey del Mundo Choix Supreme is one of cigars for sale on our website that we’d be smoking!
In London there are fantastic spots to have BBQS including:
London Fields
Here you can set up your spot and spend the whole day BBQing amongst fellow Londoners. Beware though, they've recently incurred a disposable BBQ ban and will fine anyone who breaks it, we should know it happened to us once.
London Fields Park
Westside
E8 3EU
Angler
If you'd much rather enjoy your BBQ and Cuban cigars without all of the hard work, we'd highly recommend going to Angler in Moorgate, which serves up out of this world flame grilled lobster and red hot tempura with a side of spicy wasabi sauce.
Angler
South Place Hotel
3 South Place
London
EC2M 2AF
Go Camping
Camping can be something you’ve done since you were a child, or something entirely new to you. But during hot balmy nights, it’s a beautiful thing to be able to pitch up a tent by a lake with some family or friends and enjoy nature at its finest. What makes it even better is lighting up some of your favourite Cuban cigars and watching the sun set, the moon rise and the stars brighten. We’d suggest anything from the Cohiba Behike line, but highly recommend the Behike 54.
One camping spot we'd love to visit is The Real Campsite at Park Farm. It's authentic stripped back camping, with no gimmicks or glamping is one that entices us tremendously, particularly with its unbelievable views of Oxfordshire. It looks like the perfect balance of wild and sanctuary.
Park Farm
Littleworth
Faringdon
Oxon Oxfordshire
SN7 8ED
Roof Top Bars
Roof tops are very much the place to be during the summer, one where you can enjoy a gorgeous sun set and drink a few beverages with your friends. Drinking outside is one of summer’s simpler pleasures and one that can provide incredible satisfaction and serenity, especially with a view of the city- the ideal spot to enjoy some Cuban cigars. We’d recommend the Romeo y Julieta No.2 cigar, which is light to medium bodied and provides exquisite floral flavours.
Our two favourite roof top bars in London:
The Trafalgar Roof Terrace
The roof top bar of Trafalgar Square Hotel is one not to be missed. It offers a perfect tranquil escape in the very centre of the bustling and busy city of London.
Trafalgar Square Hotel
2 Spring Gardens
Trafalgar Square
London
SW1A 2TS
Franks
This rooftop bar is one of the more hip and fashionable spots to go to. Situated on top of a car park, it has monthly art exhibitions and gives one of the most striking views of London. Be sure to head here for sunset, it will blow you away.
7th - 10th Floors Multi-Storey Car Park
95a Rye Lane
London
SE15 4TG
Hiking
One of our favourite things to do during the summer is to take a long hike, whether it’s in the countryside or in the mountains, there really is nothing better. Especially if you know some Cuban cigars are waiting for you at the end of it. We’ll be opting for the H.Upmann Magnum 50.
A particularly challenging but very rewarding hike is Helvellyn in the Lake District. It offers some of the best views, including lakes, fields and peaks.
Keswick
CA12 4TW
Punting/Boating
Punting/boating is one of the most summery activities. It’s an activity that you can do with friends, a loved one or a partner. Smoking Cuban cigars whilst on a boat on water is a wonderful thing and it’s something we’re quite partial to when the sun is beating down upon you. Imagine your feet swinging over the side, dipping them into the water to cool down whilst puffing on one of your favourite Cuban cigars, bliss. We’d suggest the Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.2 for this light-hearted activity.
Our favourite spot to go Punting is quite obviously Cambridge. You can rent a punt from Scudamores for £30 per hour and take yourself and others along the River Cam, stopping off and exploring the luscious little city just north of London.
Scudamore's Punting Company
Head Office
32a Bridge Street
Cambridge
CB2 1UJ
UK
Go to the Beach
Obviously you'll be by the sea at one point this summer. Whether it's on holiday or at home, Cuban cigars can be the very best accompaniment to a day spent on the beach. A glass of crisp white wine or a simple beer at a beach side bar with any of our Cuban cigars is the ultimate way to end a summer's day. We're still dreaming about last summer when we enjoyed smoking the Partagas Serie D No.4 on Remi beach, in Italy.
Beaches:
London has some faux beaches dotted around the city, but nothing comes anywhere near the real thing. The real thing, that's not too far from London, is West Wittering Beach. It has soft sand, is dog friendly and has beautiful views of Chichester. A wonderful world away from the hectic lifestyle of London.
West Wittering Beach
Pound Rd
West Wittering
Chichester
PO20 8AJ
Which Cuban cigars will you be smoking this summer? Let us know in the comments section below. If you’d like any information or advice about any of our Cuban cigars, give us an email we’ll be happy to help!